Music Marketing 101 A How-To For Music Biz

Music Marketing  101 

There’s not much an order to what I will list below in regards to music marketing 101’s. I’m going to say it is more as a stream of consciousness piece. It reflects a few random, but helpful, musings on Music Business and Marketing.

I cannot express this about music marketing loudly or often enough, so I’ll use bold font.

Music Marketing 101 Rule 1. Stop feeling ‘awkward’ about ‘selling yourself ‘.

There is no shame in receiving remuneration for a third parties enjoyment and willingness to pay for your intellectual property and god given skill! Plenty pay the bills in this manner daily! What about the Surgeon, who has his steady hands to thank for his career success? Or, the Chef whose pallet allows him to charge $200/plate at his restaurant? Get over being shy because it is time to hustle! Hard to hustle with unwarranted tears in your eyes and trust me, you’ll have PLENTY of time for warranted ones throughout.

Music Marketing 101 Rule 2. Be confident, by golly!

Simply put – You. Are. Awesome! Start believing it now and maybe one day it will become true. For now, we need to fake it till we make it like we’re going to effectively market this thing! But in all seriousness, this positive outlook and self-esteem is a slam-dunk for your effectiveness, productivity and staving away depression, as so many of us are so unfortunately afflicted by. It will allow you to focus on the music which, do I really need to say it? The most important aspect of this whole thing.  

Music Marketing 101 Rule 3. There Will Always Be Someone Better Than You.

It’s that black and white. So, don’t bother yourself with ego. This is another ‘thing’ you’ll find there’s just not time for once you’re really motoring along. I’m not saying you should not strive to improve, but there is no reason to bust up your kit because you’re not yet Keith Moon.

Once you embrace this little but impactful factoid, you’ll uncover how truly freeing it is from a musician’s vantage point. Creativity will flow with more ease once you learn to chill. This is because you’re no longer just dressing to impress, but being you. You don’t have the time to develop your career, while pining to be Joe Schmo Axe slayer Supreme from METALLLL (the band with 4 L’s, yes, that Metal) at the same time. Let Joe keep being awesome. Good for him! I hope that never changes for him. For right now, though, your ass has some work to do. Shit and time Joe has already done PLENTY of.

101 Rule 4. You’re Going To Mess Up . .

You will . . And it will be monumentally bad. That is, until next catastrophic event. Shit happens. Personally, I don’t ever judge an act’s live performance due to a mess-up. Quite the opposite. If you really knew your stuff like the back of your hand, you’ll be able to come back around to finding the pocket again. If you can’t, you need to go practice and tighten up a bit more.

Music Marketing 101 Rule 5. Have Fun With Your Music Marketing!

I know that sounds absurd to say when discussing Marketing. Music’s heavy creative leanings can make for some pretty eclectic and one of a kind music marketing ideas that catapult a concert to an event, a tour to a saga and a band to myth. Get creative, get those hands dirty and let’s see what you’ve got!

What might be some of your favorite tried and true tactics/methods/ideas that work for you every time you try them?! Help out the community in the Comments below, if so. Otherwise, be well and we shall speak soon!